DOVER — As Joshua Foster fled the office of his Portsmouth-based States and Union newspaper in 1865, an angry mob hot on his heels, he most likely never imagined future employees of the publication celebrating the anniversary of his newspaper 142 years later in Dover.

On Wednesday, that’s just what current Foster’s Daily Democrat employees did, with President and Publisher Patrice Foster thanking them for their hard work and dedication at what is the oldest consistently family-run newspaper in the country.

“This has been really quite a thing for the Foster’s family,” she said of the barbecue tradition.

While the day marked the 141st birthday for the newspaper, it also marked 142 years since the newspaper was established.

“I think we should acknowledge that first year,” Foster said.

The paper began as a weekly publication in Dover in 1873 and about six months later was a full-fledged daily newspaper.

Foster said the personalities behind the publication’s beginnings were “feisty” then and they remain that way today.

“Certainly we think we’re feisty enough to continue that tradition in 2014,” she said. “Everyone has to be rowing the oars to get the boat down the river on a daily basis.”

Being involved in the same local area the paper serves is a trait for which she lauded her employees.

“You make a difference to the people you live with in this community,” Foster said.

Also applauding the circulation department for handling recent changes to newspaper delivery, she said some of the incoming calls from customers have not been favorable, but they have proven the responsibility of the newspaper.

“We are the voice of the community — that is our role,” she said.

Foster said the fact that those customers care enough about their daily paper to become upset “reinforces to me how important we are.”

Recognizing also the hard work and dedication Wednesday of three longtime employees, Foster said, “We’re so lucky to have them.”

“When I have a problem I don’t worry if they can figure it out,” she said.

Those employees are Alan Smith, Mario Trepanier and Richard Hayward.

Smith and Trepanier were each honored for their 25 years managing maintenance and facilities at Foster’s Daily Democrat. Hayward, who said he got his start at Foster’s, celebrated 40 years with the publication.

“I feel like being part of the community is important,” Smith said. “It helps me to see not only what’s going on in the community but to have an attachment to it.”

The Somersworth resident said he moved to New Hampshire from Massachusetts just a few years before applying for a job at Foster’s and had known of the publication for some time.

He said his time here has been filled not just with a career he’s enjoyed, but also good company.

“I’ve worked with a lot of really good people here and formed friendships with the people even after they’ve left,” he said.

Trepanier said he couldn’t choose just one or even a couple memories that stood out — there were too many to think back on over his 25 years.

“It’s never the same thing every day. It has never been the same thing every day,” he said.

Trying to plan ahead for the day was a lost cause, he said.

“You can never plan out what any given day might look like since there’s no telling how things will pan out. That’s what’s been interesting about the job,” he said. “There are some days where it’s been total chaos to days it’s been very eventful.”

Hayward, who was hesitant to take a seat in a white rocking chair he deemed was for “important people” — as one has been given to those honored for lengthy employment records during recent years — was touched when he realized it was his name engraved on the gold plaque at the top of the chair.

“I’m very amazed that somebody would take the time to comment on service,” he said.

Since his start with the paper he’s held the title of reporter covering the Somersworth and Berwick beats; wire editor; community editor; Internet editor; assistant Internet editor and is currently the assistant community editor.

“They took a chance on me in 1974,” he said with a grin and plate of pasta salad.

He also said it’s amazing that anyone stays at the same job for the amount of time he has, but credits the company — his family — and the people involved as being a big part of the reason he’s enjoyed his time at Foster’s so much.

“It’s been involving, interesting and fulfilling,” he said “What more could somebody ask for? I guess when you really find your spot, you stay.”

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